I love a top-loading CD transport because of the obvious reference to their much loved forebearer, the turntable. I also love a CD transport whose only job is to spin, read, and translate pits and lands to bits, the food of DACs.
I became aware of Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3 CD Transport from Mike Trei’s excellent review over on Stereophile, which I recommend reading if you have any interest in the CDT3-MK3.
Jay’s CDT3-MK3 relies on a Philips CDPRO2 LF, proprietary tuned by Jay’s Audio chief, Jay Ho, a low noise, low phase noise, low jitter, ultra precision Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator, lots of thick machined aluminum in and out, and lots more goodness packed inside its 48lb. body.
Some of that goodness includes tuned AC EMI Filters, 3x Soundcare Superspikes Footers (from SEAS), and five encapsulated toroidal transformers. Woof!
Up front resides a dimmable OLED display and power and playback function buttons. An included matching aluminum remote comes standard with the CDT3.
The CDT can accept a Clock input or act as Clock source for an attached DAC, while offering a number of digital outputs including I2S over RJ45. I always run with AES where available.
After unpacking the CDT3, I noticed the Barn resident Mola Mola Tambaqui and totaldac d1-unity DACs looking over lovingly (or so it seemed to me). We shall see!
Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3 CD Transport
Price: $4998
Company Website: Jay’s Audio
Master Distributor: Beatechnik
Specifications
Design Highlight:
- Jay’s Audio Tuned CDPRO2-LF Mechanism
- Schurter IEC Inlet
- Improved Noise Filter with 110v/230v switching
- Talema Encapsulated Transformers
- Multistage Super Regulator with Boutique Grade Caps
- Neutrik XLR
- Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator OCXO
- i2s LVDS Output
- Scientific Digital Output Isolation Transformer
- Native/Upsampling 44.1kHz / 176.4kHz Configurable via Toggle Switch
Supported Formats:
Redbook CD, CDR, CDR/W only**
Note:
* The dimmeable display may turn on where there is a signal to trigger it to turn on; the signal can be a remote control signal, or an internal CDM4/19 processor signal. It is normal and shall not be viewed as a defect.
** Redbook CD transport only. Doesn’t support HDCD/SACD/DSD
Digital Output: COAX (RCA/BNC) 2v @ 75ohm ; AES/EBU 5V @110ohm
I2S Output: HDMI i2s LVDS, RJ45 i2s LVCMOS
Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz, 176.4kHz
Clock-Output: 10MHz / 5 V p-p / 50 Ω
Clock-Input: 10MHz / 0.3 – 5 V p-p / 50 to 75 Ω
AC Power: 110V/230V, 50-60Hz
Dimension: 450mm x 380mm x 150mm
Weight: 22KG
Warranty: 12 months
